Nether Providence warns of daytime burglars

NETHER PROVIDENCE -- Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan and other officials served up advice on how to combat burglars during a community forum Tuesday night.

The meeting, held at the municipal building and attended by dozens of home owners, took place against a backdrop of seven break-ins in the township since early August, all carried out during the daytime and all when no one was at home.

Residents were encouraged to do everything they can to deter burglars, including locking doors and windows, setting alarm systems and reporting anyone in the neighborhood who appears suspicious.

"If you make it difficult to get in and they decide to try a different target, they may give up altogether," Whelan said.

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Whelan and Joe Ryan, head of the county Criminal Investigation Division, attended the session at the request of state Rep. Joe Hackett, R-161, of Ridley Township, who was also on hand. They were joined by Police Chief Thomas Flannery and four members of the township board of commissioners, including President Nate Much.

Ryan said he was pleased by the fact that when county detectives were on the street in the township's 4th Ward investigating the break-ins, homeowners were calling 911 to report unfamiliar individuals.

"Let the police decide if what you see is meaningless or meaningful," he said.

The burglars have focused on the 4th and 7th wards during the recent thefts, Whelan said, adding that the criminals believe the close proximity of the Blue Route and Interstate 95 allows for rapid getaways.

The recent burglaries were similar in nature, Flannery said. All involved the use of force to enter the property, followed by a dash to the bedroom where a number of items -- primarily jewelry -- were tossed in a pillowcase. The intruder or intruders apparently then made a hasty exit.

Asked for the approximate times of the incursions, Flannery said they likely occurred between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the residents were at work. A suspect arrested earlier this week in Philadelphia may have played a role in the Nether Providence burglaries, especially since he uses that approach, the chief said. However, further investigation is needed to draw any links.

Much said another way residents can help guard against break-ins is to check on whether any solicitors who come to their doors have proper permits from the township. Otherwise, they could be individuals who are simply casing properties for later burglaries.

When police are called out to check on solicitors, "we're checking them up and down and sideways to make sure they are who they say they are," Much said.

Ryan said increasing numbers of homes have video surveillance systems, which can help identify anyone suspicious who was in the area during the time of a burglary.

He added that residents can use cellphone cameras to snap shots of vehicles and/or their license plates if they seem out of place.

Officials pledged to continue to investigate the burglaries and to help residents remain vigilant to prevent future ones.